It took a blast of arctic air to cool off No. 1-1A Minneota.
The Vikings were cruising through the season, winning their first 18 games by an average margin of 29.5 points. Then came last week's winter weather, which forced the postponement of two games. Minneota returned for a makeup game Saturday — and lost for the first time this season, slipping up in a 57-55 defeat at Yellow Medicine East.
Now the Vikings (18-1, 6-1) must regroup for another couple of road games, including the biggest test left on their regular-season schedule: a contest with defending Class 1A state champion Russell-Tyler-Ruthton (15-4, 6-1). The winner on Friday will have the easiest road to the Camden South Conference championship.
Minneota beat the Knights 74-53 on Dec. 18, avenging last season's Section 3 final loss. The Vikings have been playing all season like they were prepared to put an end to Russell-Tyler-Ruthton's reign as state champs and reach their first state tourney.
Friday's performance will go a long way toward determining if the Vikings' loss last week was only a momentary setback. And with brothers Thomas and Jacob Hennen leading the way, there's little reason to think Minneota can't return to form.
Thomas, a junior, averages 25 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Jacob, a sophomore, averages 13.2 points. Junior Logan Sussner contributes with 18.5 ppg.
The Knights lost the top two scorers from their state championship team, but twins Cooper Hanson (20.3 ppg) and Carter Hansen (18.3 ppg) have filled those holes admirably.